What makes a tuba a "beast"?

[roweenie]

I see this term used from time to time, in reference to tubas -

Is this meant as a positive description?

(Not to be confused with being "beastly"?)

[bort]

My first thought -- it means big and heavy. Not necessarily good or bad. But big and heavy

[toobagrowl]

I've not used the term "beast" for any tuba. But imo, when I see it used here, It seems to be used for very large tubas or very unique/wild tubas or certain frankentubas. Usually contrabass tubas.

[Karituba]

My “beast” is my Conn 16J. Very easy to overplay, bell front and not very pretty to look at.

[KingBassTrombone]

I use the term when describing a physically massive tuba, or a tuba with a massive sound. I guess it's somewhat up to personal interpretation. One man's beast may be another man's prairie dog.

[Worth]

Beast = Powerful

[roweenie]

patented scotchbrite finish

20200202_011521-576x363.png

(To avoid patent infringements, we prefer to say "satin raw-brass" finish )

[hup_d_dup]

Misspelling of "best."

For instance when someone is typing too fast and writes "that is my beast tuba."

Hup

[SousaWarrior9]

If it rattles the floorboards when you play

[Worth]

Although debatable and of questionable intonation, taste and talent, this is rather beastly

[edsel585960]

Heavy as *&^%% and shakes the walls when played.

[zangerzzz]

The Player.

[toobagrowl]

Beast = Powerful

Oodles of projection...

The Player.

Since we are talking about "beast" tuba sounds, then......

Tommy Johnson / Mirafone 190 CC / LA studios orchestra:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uGP2o8lBgV8


Chester Schmitz / Alexander 163 CC / Boston Pops:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=B9yP5yl7Cro